Description
These Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken Wings are a flavorful and crispy appetizer perfect for any occasion. Marinated in a zesty lemon garlic mixture with paprika and Italian seasoning, then baked to golden perfection, these wings combine tangy, savory, and herbaceous notes with a satisfying crunch. Ideal for game days, parties, or a delicious weeknight meal, they are easy to prepare and deliver bold taste without the mess of frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings (about 12-16 wings)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced) or 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, chopped for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispiness when baking. If using whole wings, separate them into flats and drumettes, discarding or saving the tips for stock.
- Marinate the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken wings and toss until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the wings bake quickly and become crispy.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup. For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on top of the sheet and arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack to promote even air circulation.
- Bake the Wings: Place the marinated wings on the prepared sheet or rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and become golden brown and crispy. Optionally, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the wings from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for added freshness.
Notes
- For even crispier wings, marinate overnight and use a wire rack while baking.
- Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant flavor, but garlic powder works well as a substitute.
- Broiling at the end is optional but enhances crispiness; monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Wings can be served with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.
- Save wing tips for homemade chicken stock to reduce waste.
